Zesty Thai Chicken Salad Delight
Experience a burst of flavors with this Zesty Thai Chicken Salad Delight, featuring tender chicken pieces combined with fresh vegetables all coated in a tangy lime and soy dressing. This warm salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutritional value. It's perfect for a light lunch or a wholesome dinner, bringing a taste of Thailand to your table. Share this delightful recipe with family and friends for a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (Used for sautéing.)
Garlic clove
1 (Finely chopped.)
Jalapeno chile
1 (Seeded and finely chopped (wear gloves).)
Skinless chicken breast half
1 lb (Cut into 1/2 inch pieces.)
Sweet bell pepper
1 (Chunked.)
Medium cucumber
1 (Cut lengthwise in half then crosswise into 1/4 inch slices, yielding 2 cups.)
Green onions
2 (Sliced.)
Lime juice
1/4 cup (Freshly squeezed.)
Soy sauce
2 tablespoons (Used for seasoning.)
Chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (For garnish and flavor.)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (For balancing flavors.)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning.)
Lettuce
to taste (Choose your favorite type for serving.)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Add the finely chopped garlic and seeded jalapeno to the hot oil, cooking for around 30 seconds while stirring frequently until fragrant.
3
Incorporate the chicken pieces into the skillet, stir well, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is nicely browned and fully cooked through.
4
Add the chunked bell pepper, sliced cucumber, and green onions to the skillet, tossing everything together well to combine.
5
Pour in the lime juice, soy sauce, chopped cilantro, sugar, and pepper. Stir to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
6
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, continuing to stir for about 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7
Remove the skillet from heat once done.
8
Arrange your choice of lettuce on four dinner plates.
9
Using a slotted spoon, generously spoon the chicken mixture over the lettuce, ensuring some of the dressing drizzles down.
10
Optional: Drizzle additional liquid from the skillet over the chicken and lettuce for extra flavor.
11
Garnish with dry-roasted peanuts and lime slices, if desired, for a touch of crunch and zest before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Thai Chicken Salad Delight?
It is a warm, flavorful Thai-inspired salad featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy lime and soy dressing.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include chicken breast, olive oil, garlic, jalapeno, sweet bell pepper, cucumber, green onions, lime juice, and soy sauce.
How long should I cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until it is nicely browned and fully cooked through.
Is this a cold or warm salad?
This is a warm salad where the cooked chicken mixture is served over fresh lettuce.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil.
How should the garlic be prepared?
One garlic clove should be finely chopped before being added to the hot oil.
Should the jalapeno be seeded?
Yes, the jalapeno should be seeded and finely chopped; it is recommended to wear gloves while doing this.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The skinless chicken breast should be cut into 1/2 inch pieces.
What is in the dressing for this salad?
The dressing is made from a combination of lime juice, soy sauce, chopped cilantro, sugar, and pepper.
Can I substitute the protein in this recipe?
While the recipe specifies chicken breast, you could likely substitute it with shrimp or tofu for a different variation.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this recipe is specifically tagged as a low-carb meal option.
What vegetables are used in the salad mixture?
The mixture includes chunked sweet bell pepper, sliced cucumber, and sliced green onions.
How do I serve the Zesty Thai Chicken Salad?
Arrange lettuce on four dinner plates and spoon the chicken mixture over the top using a slotted spoon.
Are there any suggested garnishes?
Optional garnishes include dry-roasted peanuts and fresh lime slices for added crunch and zest.
What kind of lettuce should be used?
You can use any of your favorite types of lettuce as the base for this salad.
Is the salad spicy?
The salad contains one seeded jalapeno, which provides a zesty heat that is balanced by the sugar and lime.
How should the cucumber be sliced?
Cut the cucumber lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1/4 inch slices to yield about 2 cups.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
Sugar is used to balance the acidity of the lime juice and the saltiness of the soy sauce.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?
While lime juice provides the traditional Thai flavor profile, lemon juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The instructions indicate the recipe serves four people.
Is this recipe good for a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and involves simple sautéing that takes less than 15 minutes of active cooking.
How do I ensure the flavors are well combined?
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil for about 30 seconds while stirring to allow the flavors to meld together.
What equipment is needed to cook this dish?
You will need a skillet or a wok to cook the chicken and vegetable mixture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, by replacing the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or extra vegetables.
Is the cilantro added during cooking or as a garnish?
The chopped fresh cilantro is stirred into the skillet with the lime juice and soy sauce to coat the ingredients.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming too soggy?
The recipe suggests using a slotted spoon to serve the chicken mixture over the lettuce to control the amount of liquid.
What is the purpose of the 30-second boil?
It helps the sauce thicken slightly and ensures all ingredients are heated through and flavored evenly.
Can I store leftovers?
The chicken mixture can be stored separately in the refrigerator, but it is best to assemble with fresh lettuce just before eating.
What kind of bell pepper should I use?
The recipe calls for one sweet bell pepper; any color (red, yellow, or orange) will work well.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, making it a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.